Phosphotellurite-containing glasses, process for making same and articles comprising same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are glass materials generally belonging to the P 2 O 5 —ZnO—TeO 2  system and process for making the same. The glass may comprise Bi 2 O 3  as well. The high refractive index and low T g  materials are particularly suitable for refractive lens elements for use in portable optical devices. The process involves the use of P 2 O 5  source materials with reduced amounts of reducing agents or a step of removing the reducing agents from such source materials by an oxidizing step such as calcination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/872,024, filed on Nov. 30, 2006, entitled “PHOSPHOTELLURITE-CONTAINING GLASSES, PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME AND ARTICLES COMPRISING SAME,” the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing high-index glass, process of making the same, and articles comprising the same. In particular, the present invention relates to moldable P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing glass having a T_(g) lower than about 400° C. and a refractive index of at least 1.70 at 633 nm. The present invention is useful, for example, in making high-index refractive optical elements for use in optical devices such as cameras.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Materials having high refractive index (at least 1.70) in the visible spectrum are highly desired for many optical devices such as cameras, projectors, and the like. Optical elements made with high refractive indexes can be made to have higher corrective or manipulative power at a defined geometry of the lens. Therefore, refractive lenses used in optical systems can be made thinner and smaller with high-index materials. Compactness of such lenses is especially important for portable electronics such as camera phones and ultra-compact digital cameras. Various organic and inorganic high-index materials are available commercially. For example, pure TeO₂ glass is known to have an index of about 2.10 at 633 nm. High index thermosetting polymers with a refractive index of 1.76 in the visible range were recently announced by Nitto Denko Corporation of Japan. However, these materials are either difficult to process, or too costly to be used in large-scale industrial production of consumer products.

High-index Sb₂O₃—P₂O₅ glasses were proposed in the prior art previously for use in optical systems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,151 describes moldable high-index Sb₂O₃—P₂O₅ glasses that could be used in the production of optical lenses. In order to achieve a refractive index on the order of 1.80 with this material, it was necessary to employ Sb₂O₃ with a content up to about 40 mol % or on the order of 65 wt %. There are concerns that pyrophosphate glasses with such high Sb₂O₃ levels may not have sufficient chemical durability for the desired applications. Therefore, alternative materials with comparable optical and forming characteristics but with improved water/humidity resistance are sought.

The present invention satisfies the need of such alternative high-index moldable glass.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a glass material having a refractive index higher than about 1.70 at 633 nm, in certain embodiments higher than about 1.75, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.80, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.85, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.90, having a composition, expressed in mole percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, comprising:

20-90% TeO₂, in certain embodiments desirably 25-70%, in certain other embodiments desirably 30-65%;

1-40% P₂O₅, in certain embodiments desirably 5-25%;

1-30% R₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 1-25%, in certain embodiments desirably 1-10%, in certain other embodiments 5-25%, where R₂O represents all alkali metal oxides in total;

0-30% RO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-20%, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total;

5-40% ZnO, in certain embodiments desirably 10-35%;

0-15% Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0-8%;

0-5% Al₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%;

0-5% Ga₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%; 0-10% B₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-5%;

0-15% R₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total;

0-5% Ln₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-2%, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc;

0-20% PbO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero;

0-20% Tl₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero; and

0-30% CdO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%; in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention is essentially free of Bi₂O₃ and comprises about 0.5-3% Al₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention is essentially free of Bi₂O₃ and comprises about 0.5-3% Al₂O₃.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises about 0.5-5% by mole of Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments 0.5-3%. In certain embodiments, the glass material is essentially free of Al₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ and comprises 0.5-5% by mole of Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments 0.5-3%.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention is essentially free of metallic Te.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention is essentially free of metallic Bi.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention is essentially colorless.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention is essentially free of Li₂O.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises at least 1% by mole of Li₂O, in addition to and in combination with Na₂O and/or K₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and at least 1% by mole of Na₂O and/or K₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and 1-10% by mole of Na₂O and/or K₂O.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention has essentially no absorption band in the wavelength range of 420-650 nm. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention has an average transmission in the visible range of at least 80%/mm, and a variation of transmission in the visible range of less than about 10%, in certain embodiments less than about 5%.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention has a glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of lower than about 450° C., in certain embodiments lower than about 400° C., in certain embodiments lower than about 380° C.

In certain embodiments of the glass material of the present invention, the metallic elements are essentially at the highest valency thereof.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention has a water durability of less than 0.5% weight loss.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention is essentially free of PbO and CdO.

In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention has a composition, expressed in terms of weight percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, consisting essentially of: 25-70% TeO₂; 5-25% P₂O₅; 1-25% R₂O; 0-20% RO, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total; 10-35% ZnO; 0-10% Bi₂O₃; 0-3% Al₂O₃; 0-3% Ga₂O₃; 0-10% R₂O₃, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total; 0-2% Ln₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-2%, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc; and essentially free of PbO, CdO and Tl₂O.

A second aspect of the present invention is a process for making a glass comprising TeO₂ and P₂O₅, wherein:

the source material of P₂O₅ in the batch is selected from: (i) H₃PO₄, H₄P₂O₇, P₂O₅, metal phosphates, (ii) solutions and/or dispersions of those listed in (i); and (iii) mixtures and combinations of those listed in (i) and (ii); and

the batch materials are selected such that upon melting, the glass has a refractive index higher than about 1.70 at 633 nm (in certain embodiments higher than about 1.75, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.80, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.85, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.90), and a composition, expressed in mole percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, comprising:

20-90% TeO₂, in certain embodiments desirably 25-70%, in certain other embodiments desirably 30-65%;

1-40% P₂O₅, in certain embodiments desirably 5-25%;

1-30% R₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 1-25%, in certain embodiments desirably 1-10%, in certain other embodiments 5-25%, where R₂O represents all alkali metal oxides in total;

0-30% RO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-20%, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total;

5-40% ZnO, in certain embodiments desirably 10-35%;

0-15% Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0-8%;

0-5% Al₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%;

0-5% Ga₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%; 0-10% B₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-5%;

0-15% R₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total;

0-5% Ln₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-2%, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc;

0-20% PbO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero;

0-20% Tl₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero; and

0-30% CdO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%; in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero.

In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the batch material is chosen such that upon melting, the resulting glass is essentially free of Bi₂O₃ and comprises about 0.5-3% Al₂O₃ and/or Ga₂O₃.

In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the batch material is chosen such that upon melting, the resulting glass is essentially free of Bi₂O₃ and comprises about 0.5-3% Al₂O₃.

In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the batch material is chosen such that upon melting, the resulting glass comprises about 0.5-5% of Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments about 0.5-3%. In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the batch is chosen such that upon melting, the resulting glass is essentially free of Al₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ and comprises 0.5-5%, in certain embodiments 0.5-3% of Bi₂O₃.

In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the batch material is chosen such that upon melting, the resulting glass material of the present invention comprises at least 1% by mole of Li₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material resulting from the process of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material resulting from the process of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and at least 1% by mole of Na₂O and/or K₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material resulting from the process of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and 1-10% by mole of Na₂O and/or K₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material resulting from the process of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and 1-5% by mole of Na₂O and/or K₂O.

In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the batch material is chosen such that upon melting, the resulting glass is essentially free of Li₂O. In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the source material of P₂O₅ in the batch is essentially free of reducing impurities.

In certain embodiments, the process of the present invention comprises a step of calcining the solid source material of P₂O₅ in the batch at an elevated temperature before mixing such material with the rest of the batch material. In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the P₂O₅ source material in the batch is selected from H₃PO₄, H₄P₂O₇, mixtures, solutions and dispersions thereof.

In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, an oxidizing agent is introduced into the batch material. In certain embodiments of such processes of the present invention, the oxidizing agent is selected from nitrates, peroxides, hypochlorites, chlorates, perchlorates, persulfates, oxidizing gases, and combinations and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments of the process of the present invention, the batch material is chosen such that upon melting, the resulting glass is essentially free of PbO and CdO.

A third aspect of the present invention is a glass article comprising a glass material having a refractive index higher than about 1.70 at 633 nm (in certain embodiments higher than about 1.75, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.80, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.85, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.90), having a composition, expressed in mole percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, comprising:

20-90% TeO₂, in certain embodiments desirably 25-70%, in certain other embodiments desirably 30-65%;

1-40% P₂O₅, in certain embodiments desirably 5-25%;

1-30% R₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 1-25%, in certain embodiments desirably 1-10%, in certain other embodiments 5-25%, where R₂O represents all alkali metal oxides in total;

0-30% RO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-20%, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total;

5-40% ZnO, in certain embodiments desirably 10-35%;

0-15% Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0-8%;

0-5% Al₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%;

0-5% Ga₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%; 0-10% B₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-5%;

0-15% R₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total;

0-5% Ln₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-2%, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc;

0-20% PbO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero;

0-20% Tl₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero; and

0-30% CdO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%; in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero.

According to certain embodiments, the glass articles of the present invention are refractive lens element for use in optical devices. Certain embodiments of such refractive lens elements are aspherical, and certain others are spherical.

According to certain embodiments, the glass articles of the present invention are made from glass having a T_(g) lower than about 450° C., in certain embodiments lower than about 400° C., in certain other embodiments lower than about 380° C.

According to certain embodiments, the glass articles of the present invention are made by pressing or molding.

The present invention has the following advantages. First, the glass can be made to have a very high refractive index of even higher than about 1.80, which is highly desirable for portable opto-electric devices such as portable digital camera and camera phones. Second, the glass, due to the low T_(g), can be pressed into net shape at low temperature, thereby extending the mold life time, simplifying the manufacture process of lenses with complex surface profile, such as aspherical lenses. Third, by careful choice of composition, the glass can have very high water durability.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the viscosity curve as a function of temperature of a series of P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing glasses.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the weight loss of a series of P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing glass having a general formula of (100−x)(20Na₂O.46.7ZnO.33.3P₂O₅).xTeO₂

as a function of the content of TeO₂ in the glass.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the T_(g) and weight loss of a series of TeO₂—, ZnO— and P₂O₅-containing glass having a general formula of xNa₂O.(40−x)ZnO.20P₂O₅.40TeO₂.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the T_(g) and weight loss of a series of TeO₂—, BaO— and P₂O₅-containing glass having a general formula of xNa₂O.(30−x)BaO.30P₂O₅.40TeO₂.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the T_(g) and weight loss of a series of TeO₂—, ZnO—, and P₂O₅-containing glasses having a general formula of xAl₂O₃.(30−x)ZnO.20P₂O₅.40TeO₂.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present application, All percentages of the components of the glass are by mole unless specified otherwise. The mole percentages of oxides in a glass composition are those expressed in terms of the identified oxide, regardless of the valency of the metals in the composition. For example, the amount of Fe in the glass composition is calculated in terms of Fe₂O₃, even though Fe in the glass may be present in Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ state. For another example, the amount of Te in the glass composition is calculated in terms of TeO₂, even though Te in the glass may be present in Te⁰ and Te⁴⁺ state. For yet another example, the total amount of Bi in the glass is expressed in terms of Bi₂O₃, even though the glass may be present in the glass in the form of Bi³⁺ and Bi⁰. By “metallic state,” it is meant that the relevant metal, or a part thereof, is at zero (0) valancy in the material.

As used herein, any general formula of xXO.yYO.zZO means that the composition of the glass consists essentially of oxides XO, YO and ZO in molar ratio of x:y:z. For example, a glass system having a general formula of xNa₂O.yBaO.zZnO.(60−x−y−z)P₂O₅.40TeO₂ means that the glass consists essentially of Na₂O, BaO, ZnO, P₂O₅ and TeO₂ in molar ratio of x:y:z:(60−x−y−z):40. Again, the amount of X, Y, Z in the glass are calculated or expressed in the molar percentages of XO, YO and ZO, even through X, Y and Z may be present in multiple valency states.

By the term “consisting essentially of,” it is meant that the material of the present invention may comprise components in addition to those listed, as long as those additional components, in their added amounts, do not alter the basic and novel feature of the present invention.

“The visible range” of the light spectrum, or “the visible spectrum,” means the segment from 420 nm to 650 nm on the electromagnetic spectrum.

By “colorless,” it is meant that the glass is essentially free of absorption peak in the visible range as defined herein. In certain embodiments, the glass of the present invention has a red shift of absorption edge of less than about 20 nm, in certain embodiments less than about 10 nm, in certain other embodiments less than 5 nm, compared to the absorption edge of a fully-oxidized glass having essentially the same composition. “Absorption edge” as used herein means the longest wavelength shorter than 700 nm at which the internal transmission of the glass is 50% of that at 700 nm. “Internal transmission” means the percentage of light transmitted at the specified wavelength per millimeter, with surface reflection loss corrected. “Fully oxidized” means the glass was subjected to oxidation of an oxidizing agent at a sufficient amount for an infinite period of time such that essentially all metals in the glass composition are oxidized to the highest possible valency in the glass under the melting conditions. Certain colorless glass of the present invention has an average transmission without surface loss correction of at least 80%, and a transmission variation, defined as the peak-to-valley transmission difference across the wavelength span from about 420 to about 650 nm, of less than or equal to about 8%. In certain embodiments, the transmission variation is less than or equal to 5%, in certain other embodiments, the transmission variation is less than or equal to 3%.

Pure TeO₂ glass has very high refractive index at about 633 nm: about 2.10. However, due to its high cost and poor processability, this material itself cannot be economically employed in mass production of lenses for consumer electronics such as camera phones, digital cameras, and the like.

Compositions that are intermediate between those of low index pyrophosphate glass (e.g., alkali Zn pyrophosphate) and TeO₂ or binary or more complex high index tellurite glasses are found to yield clear glasses with T_(g) ranging from 320 to 350° C. and refractive index ranging from about 1.55 to at least 1.92. Glasses with TeO₂ concentrations of 40-50 mol % (or 50-60 wt %) have refractive index near 1.80 (See, FIG. 1). Although the endmember tellurite glasses have extremely steep viscosity curves, rendering them problematic for large scale forming operations, it was unexpectedly found that the intermediate composition phosphotellurite glasses are characterized by viscosity curves that essentially overly those of the relatively “long” or “strong” pyrophosphate glasses (see, FIG. 2).

FIG. 1 shows the dependence of viscosity (log η) for a typical tellurite glass (20BaO.20ZnO.60TeO₂, curve aa), a typical alkali zinc pyrophosphate glass (20Na₂O.43ZnO.2Al₂O₃.35P₂O₅, curve bb) and several phosphotellurite glasses (curves A, B, C and D). Note the similar dependence of the pyrophosphate and phosphotellurite glasses, especially at higher temperature in the forming range.

FIG. 2 shows the dependence of refractive index at 633 nm (n) on TeO₂ concentration for glasses intermediate in composition between TeO₂ and an alkali Zn pyrophosphate with and without Al₂O₃. Note that a refractive index of 1.80 can be achieved with glasses containing ˜43% TeO₂.

Accordingly, the glass of the present invention, generally belonging to TeO₂—ZnO—P₂O₅ glass family, is invented to meet the needs of cost-effective moldable glass for use in, inter alia, digital cameras and camera phones. The glass of the present invention, in general terms, has a refractive index higher than about 1.70 at 633 nm, in certain embodiments higher than about 1.75, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.80, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.85, in certain other embodiments higher than about 1.90, and has a composition, expressed in mole percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, comprising:

20-90% TeO₂, in certain embodiments desirably 25-70%, in certain other embodiments desirably 30-65%;

1-40% P₂O₅, in certain embodiments desirably 5-25%;

1-30% R₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 1-25%, in certain embodiments desirably 1-10%, in certain other embodiments 5-25%, where R₂O represents all alkali metal oxides in total;

0-30% RO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-20%, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total;

5-40% ZnO, in certain embodiments desirably 10-35%;

0-15% Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0-8%;

0-5% Al₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%;

0-5% Ga₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-3%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-5%, in certain other embodiments desirably 0.5-3%; 0-10% B₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-5%;

0-15% R₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total;

0-5% Ln₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-2%, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc;

0-20% PbO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero;

0-20% Tl₂O, in certain embodiments desirably 0-15%, in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero; and

0-30% CdO, in certain embodiments desirably 0-10%; in certain other embodiments desirably essentially zero.

TeO₂ is the main component for imparting the desired high refractive index of the glass. It is comprised at least 20% by mole. Typically, assuming the composition of the balance of the glass composition remains the same, the higher the mole percentage of TeO₂ in the glass, the higher the refractive index of the glass. However, as mentioned above, pure TeO₂ glass is costly and difficult to vitrify due to its high crystallization tendency. Therefore, 90% by mole is the practical maximal limit for its content in the glass. In order to obtain a good balance of the refractive index, T_(g) and cost, it is desired in certain embodiments that the glass comprises 25-70% by mole of TeO₂, in certain embodiments 30-65%.

TeO₂ is easy to be reduced into metallic Te in the form of metal colloid or crystals in the glass under normal glass melting conditions, especially in the presence of P₂O₅ in the glass network. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the presence of metallic Te in the glass can lead to red-shift of the absorption edge of the glass, can lead the absorption edge into ht visible, resulting in a brownish tint of the glass. This means that compared to ideal P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing glass completely free of metallic Te, the absorption edge of a glass melted from the same batch materials but containing Te meal tends to shift to longer wavelength—the red end of the visible light spectrum. In certain embodiments, it is highly desired that the glass of the present invention does not have absorption peak in the visible range. In certain embodiments, it is highly desired that the glass has a red shift of absorption edge of less than about 20 nm, in certain other embodiments less than about 15 nm, in certain other embodiments less than about 10 nm. To prevent red-shift of absorption edge, it is generally desired that the glass of the present invention is essentially free of metallic Te. A P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing glass of the present invention essentially free of metallic Te or other metals is typically colorless to the naked eyes of the human being. Consequently, it is desired that essentially all Te present in the glass of the present invention is at +4 valency, its highest valency. Glass comprising metallic Te can display a pale yellow to pale brown to dark brown coloration due to its absorption in the blue range of the visible spectrum.

P₂O₅ is a glass former. The inclusion of P₂O₅ in the glass reduces the cost and the variation of the viscosity with temperature, resulting in improved hot glass forming characteristics. However, if P₂O₅ content is too high, the glass can have undesirably low water durability. Therefore, P₂O₅ is typically required to be between 1-40%, in certain embodiments 5-25% by mole.

R₂O, including Li₂O, Na₂O, K₂O, Rb₂O and Cs₂O and combinations and mixtures thereof, are included in the glass to reduce the T_(g). Typically, the higher the amount of the total R₂O, the lower the T_(g) of the glass. However, if R₂O is included at too high a content, the water durability of the glass suffers. Thus, typically, R₂O is included at a level between 1-30% by mole, in certain embodiments desirably 1-25%, in certain embodiments desirably 1-10%, in certain embodiments between 5-25%. It has been found that, when both P₂O₅ and R₂O are used at very high amounts, the glass can be hygroscopic, which is highly undesirable. It has been found that: (i) the effect of Na₂O and K₂O on the water durability of the glass is similar; (ii) when Li₂O is used alone at above 5%, the glass tends to crystallize; and (iii) if Li₂O is used in conjunction with Na₂O, K₂O or both, the water durability of the glass tends to be better. Therefore, in certain embodiments, it is desired that the glass of the present invention comprises Li₂O at higher than about 1%. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises at least 1% by mole of Li₂O, in addition to and in combination with Na₂O and/or K₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and at least 1% by mole of Na₂O and/or K₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and 1-10% by mole of Na₂O and/or K₂O. In certain embodiments, the glass material of the present invention comprises 1-3% of Li₂O and 1-5% of Na₂O and/or K₂O.

ZnO is essential for the glass of the present invention. It acts as a glass structure modifier. It is used between 5-40% by mole, in certain embodiments between 10-35% by mole. The amount of ZnO can be adjusted to fine-tune the T_(g) and/or water durability of the glass.

RO as used herein refers to any and all alkaline earth metal oxides in the glass, including MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO. Among all alkaline earth metal oxides, BaO is especially conducive to high index of the glass. It has been found that the effect of SrO and BaO on the T_(g) and water durability of the glass is similar. RO can be used in place of the part of the ZnO and/or R₂O in the glass. Typically, RO is included between 0-30% by mole, in certain embodiments between 0-20% by mole.

Bi₂O₃ can be included in the glass of the present invention to replace part of the TeO₂ content in order to reduce the total cost without significantly reduce the overall glass index. Other metal oxides, such as CdO and PbO are known to impart beneficial effect on the refractive index of the glass, yet they are less desirable than Bi₂O₃ because of the much higher bio-toxicity and environment concerns. Bi₂O₃ can contribute to a good water durability of the glass as well. Typically, Bi₂O₃ is included between 0-15% by mole, in certain embodiments preferably 0-8% by mole. If a glass does not include Al₂O₃ or Ga₂O₃, it is typically desired that the glass comprises Bi₂O₃ of at least 3%. In certain embodiments, the glass is essentially free of Al₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ and comprises 3-15% of Bi₂O₃, in certain embodiments 5-12%.

Similar to TeO₂, Bi₂O₃ is prone to be reduced to metal colloids in an inorganic glass under normal glass melting conditions and impart coloration and red shift of the absorption edge to the glass. Therefore, it is highly desired that Bi₂O₃ is not reduced to metallic state in the glass and Bi is essentially at +3 valency.

Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃, if included, they can contribute to the water durability of the glass. However, if Al₂O₃ is included at higher than about 5% by mole, the glass batch would be difficult to melt at a temperature below about 1000° C., which can be undesirable. Thus, it is typically desired that the sum total of Al₂O₃, Ga₂O₃ and Bi₂O₃ is between 0-15% by mole. In certain embodiments, it is desired that the glass comprises 0.5-3% by mole of Al₂O₃. In certain other embodiments, it is desired that the glass comprises 0.5-3% by mole of Ga₂O₃.

The glasss of the present invention may further comprise lanthanoids, Y₂O₃ and Sc₂O₃ (collectively, “Ln₂O₃”) at 0-5% by mole each. These oxides are known to impart a high refractive index to glasses without TeO₂ and Bi₂O₃. Thus, for the glasses of the present invention, if TeO₂ and Bi₂O₃ amounts are held constant, including Ln₂O₃ in place of other components can lead to a higher refractive index of the glass. However, to obtain a colorless glass in the visible spectrum, oxides known to have absorption peaks in the visible, such as Nd₂O₃, Er₂O₃, and the like, should be avoided. Moreover, including Ln₂O₃ at too high a content can lead to devitrification and crystallization problems of the glass.

Heavy metal oxides such as CdO, PbO and Tl₂O are known to be beneficial for a high refractive index if included in a glass composition. However, these three are all highly toxic materials, and thus should be avoided if toxicity and environmental safety are of concern. Typically, PbO is included between 0-20% by mole, in certain embodiments 0-15% by mole, in certain embodiments essentially zero. Typically, CdO is included between 0-30% by mole, in certain embodiments 0-10% by mole, in certain embodiments essentially zero. Typically, Tl₂O is included between 0-20% by mole, in certain embodiments 0-10% by mole.

Thus, when all the above factors are taken into consideration, according to certain embodiments of the Bi₂O₃-containing glass of the present invention, the glass desirably comprises about 3-15% by mole of Bi₂O₃, and 0.5-3% by mole of Al₂O₃ and/or Ga₂O₃, with a total of Bi₂O₃, Al₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ below about 15% by mole.

The glass of the present invention can be made by using conventional glass melting process and equipment. All batch materials, used in amounts calculated from the desired final composition of the glass, are processed, mixed and subjected to heating to an elevated temperature (such as around 1000° C.) in a vessel (such as a glass melting tank, a crucible, and the like), where the batch materials disintegrates, reacts and form a fluid glass melt. The glass melt is fined, allowed to cool down to room temperature, and then annealed. The glass may be annealed during the cooling cycle from the melt. The glass may be formed during the melting process or during the cooling cycle to near-net shape or net shape of a desired article. The thus formed glass can be further subjected to additional processing steps: cutting; grinding; polishing; thermal treatment (heating and/or cooling); surface coating; and ion bath treatment, and the like.

As mentioned supra, under normal glass melting conditions, TeO₂ and Bi₂O₃ are prone to be reduced to metallic state and impart undesirable coloration and red shift of absorption edge. The metallic Te and Bi present in the glass may take the form of colloid, crystals and combinations and mixtures thereof. Such coloration has been observed by the present inventors during the process of melting and preparing P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing glass, and is further observed in the process of melting and preparing P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing and Bi₂O₃-containing glass. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, the present inventors believe that such reduction of TeO₂ and/or Bi₂O₃ in the glass-melting process, and hence the imparted coloration, are caused by the presence of reducing agents in the typically used batch materials, especially Zn₂P₂O₇ and Zn₃(PO₄)₂. Accordingly, to prepare a glass essentially free of metallic Te and/or Bi, or other metals at metallic state, the present inventors contemplated and implemented the following approaches: (i) minimizing the amount of or eliminating the presence of reducing agents in the batch materials; and (ii) including or introducing oxidizing agents into the batch materials or glass melt.

With regard to the first approach, the present inventors have identified the primary source of reducing agents in the glass batch. Zinc phosphates (Zn₃(PO₄)₂ and Zn₂P₂O₇) are typically used in glass melting as the source material of ZnO and P₂O₅. The present inventors have found that these materials tend to contain reducing agents detrimental to the production of metallic Te— and metallic Bi-free glass material of the present invention. The present inventors have further discovered that, by calcinating zinc phosphates in a crucible in open air at an elevated temperature around about 500° C. for a prolonged period of time, typically around about 5 hours, the reducing agents can be significantly reduced or eliminated from the batch. This could be due to one or more of several factors: (a) evaporation of the reducing agents during the calcination; (b) passivation of the color-imparting agents from the batch materials; and (c) oxidation of the reducing agents during the calcination by O₂ or other agents present in the calcination environment. Surprisingly, the present inventors have found that calcination of zinc phosphates can be effectively employed to produce P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing and/or Bi₂O₃-containing glass of the present invention without visible coloration. This calcination approach can be applied likewise for other batch materials to reduce the amount of reducing agents therein. It is also contemplated that during the calcination of the zinc phosphates and other batch materials, oxidizing agents, such as nitrates, oxygen gas, peroxides, and the like, may be employed in order to increase the efficiency and efficacy of the calcination step in decreasing the amounts of reducing agents.

In a surprising matter, the present inventors have found that, by using phosphoric acids as the source material of P₂O₅ in the glass instead of zinc phosphates, essentially colorless P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing and/or Bi₂O₃-containing glass can be produced. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, the present inventors believe it is because the phosphoric acids (such as H₃PO₄, H₄P₂O₇, and the like) contain reducing agents at a much lower level. Another advantage of using phosphoric acids as the source material of P₂O₅ in the glass is ease of mixing the batch. Phosphoric acids typically are fluids, and can be further diluted with water if needed, thus they are easy to mix with the other batch materials, which are typically solid materials. The present inventors have found that, by using phosphoric acids as the sole P₂O₅ source material in the batch, glasses of the present invention that is essentially colorless (hence essentially free of visually perceptible metallic Te and Bi in the glass) can be prepared without the need of further extraordinary measure, such as the use of oxidizing agent in the batch material, or subject the batch or glass melt to enhanced oxidation, as detailed infra.

One way contemplated by the present inventors of eliminating or minimizing the presence of reducing agents form the batch material, especially from those batch materials known to have the tendency of being contaminated, is: treating a mixture of the batch material, or combination of batch materials with a an oxidizing agent (in certain embodiments advantageously including a step of heating such mixture to an elevated temperature) before melting. Oxidizing agents that can be used include, but are not limited to: nitrates (NaNO₃, KNO₃, NH₄NO₃, for example), peroxides (e.g., Na₂O₂, K₂O₂, BaO₂), chlorates and perchlorates (e.g., NaClO₃, KClO₃, NaClO₄, KClO₄), hypochorites (e.g., NaClO, KClO, HClO), bromates, persulfates (e.g., Na₂S₂O₇, K₂S₂O₇), Br₂, and the like, stream of air, O₂ gas, O₃ gas, Cl₂ gas, and the like, and any agent that upon heating to an elevated temperature can release O₂ or Cl₂). Such pre-oxidized batch materials are subsequently mixed with additional batch materials and melted to form the glass of the present invention.

As to approach (ii), the present inventors have found this approach can be implemented simply and effectively in producing colorless P₂O₅— and TeO₂-containing glass of the present invention with or without Bi₂O₃. Essentially, all normal batch materials, together with oxidizing agents are mixed together and subjected to melting. Oxidizing agents that may be used include, but are not limited to: nitrates (e.g., NaNO₃, KNO₃, NH₄NO₃), peroxides (e.g., Na₂O₂, K₂O₂, BaO₂), chlorates and perchlorates (e.g., NaClO₃, KClO₃), NaClO₄ and KClO₄), Cl₂, hypochorites (e.g., NaClO, KClO, HClO), bromates, Br₂, and the like, persulfates (e.g., NaS₂O₇, K₂S₂O₇), and the like, and any agent that upon heating to an elevated temperature can release O₂ or Cl₂. Alternatively or additionally, during the glass melting process, stream of air, other O₂-containing gas, O₂, O₃, Cl₂, and mixtures thereof, may be used to oxidize the batch and/or glass melt so that all metals, especially those with high tendency to be reduced by reducing agents present in the batch material under normal glass melting condition), are sufficiently oxidized. The oxidation may take various forms: (I) oxidation and/or passivation of the reducing agents; and/or (II) oxidation of any metal, especially Te and/or Bi, that has been reduced to metallic state. Further, the presence of such oxidizing agent can inhibit or prevent the reduction of metal oxides into metallic state. Among all these oxidizing agents, NaNO₃ and KNO₃ can be conveniently used if the presence of Na₂O or K₂O is not undesirable. If the presence of Na₂O or K₂O should be avoided, or Na₂O and K₂O will be introduced into the glass through other exclusive sources, NH₄NO₃ can be conveniently and effectively used as the oxidizing agent.

In practice, the above approaches (i) and (ii) may be used alone without the need of any other approach, or may be used in any combination in order to achieve the desired glass melt with desirably low level of metallic Te and/or Bi in the glass. For example, it may be desired, such as when a batch of Zn₂P₂O₇ or Zn₃(PO₄)₂ is heavily contaminated with reducing agents such as carbon, Fe²⁺, and the like, that the Zn₂P₂O₇ or Zn₃(PO₄)₂ batch material is first calcined and/or oxidized, and thereafter during the glass melting process, additional oxidizing agent, such as NH₄NO₃ is included into the batch, in order to obtain the desired glass essentially free of metallic Te and/or Bi.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to glass articles made of the glass of the present invention. The glass of the present invention, due to the high refractive index and low T_(g), can be advantageously formed into various shapes suiting the needs of various applications. For example, the glass of the present invention can be pressed, molded, or otherwise shaped to spherical lenses, aspherical lenses, prisms, and the like, having a near-net shape or a net shape, for use in various optical devices. The advantage of the glass material of the present invention for making near-net shape and net-shape aspherical lenses is enormous: (a) the high refractive index leads to thin lens element with low material consumption, significantly lowering the total cost and facilitating lens group design; (b) high moldability due to low T_(g) and long viscosity curve means that the precision optical surface of the lens elements can be obtained without the need of costly and difficult-to-control lapping and polishing step.

The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the present application. These examples are for the only purpose of illustrating the present invention as claimed, and shall not be interpreted to limit the invention as claimed in any way.

EXAMPLES

In the following examples, the compositions of the glasses are expressed on a mole percentage basis of the specified oxides of the total composition.

In the examples, TeO₂, Bi₂O₃, NaPO₃, KPO₃, H₃PO₄, LiPO₃, ZnO, Zn₂P₂O₇, BaCO₃, SrCO₃, Al(PO₃)₃, among others, were used as the batch materials.

Where H₃PO₄ was used as the batch material, it is mixed with other solid batch materials to form a wet batch, which is then dried at about 300° C. before melting.

Where Zn₂P₂O₇ is pre-calcined before being used as the batch material, the pre-calcination is conducted in a crucible at about 500° C. for about 4 hours.

All batch materials were melted in a gold crucible at a temperature of about 900-1000° C. for about 10-30 minutes. The melt was then poured onto the surface of a steel plate where it was quenched and subsequently annealed if needed.

Water durability of the glasses of the present invention was characterize in terms of percentage of weight loss after subjecting a single sample piece of glass having approximately 4 cm² surface area to boiling distilled deionized water for 4 hours. Any appreciable surface changes during or upon completion of the water durability test were recorded.

Glass transition temperature (T_(g)) and crystallization temperature (T_(x), defined as the temperature at which the onset of crystallization when the glass is heated from about room temperature is observed) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Refractive index was measured at a wavelength of 633 nm by Metricon. Measurement of transmission of the glass was performed on the Cary 5G UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer from 300 to 2000 nm, without correction of surface reflection loss.

It has been observed that phosphotellurite glasses made from dry batches in which Zn₂P₂O₇ is a major component (i.e., >10% of the batch) frequently develop brown tints due to metallic Te. The following tables give examples of phosphotellurite glasses made from batches containing H₃PO₄, nitrates and/or purified Zn₂P₂O₇ that illustrate the efficacy of these constituents in decolorizing these otherwise brown glasses.

TABLE I shows examples of glasses (Example Nos. I.2, I.3, I.4, I.5 and I.6, to be specific) prepared from “wet” batches using H₃PO₄. Glass of Example No. I.1 was prepared from a dry batch containing Zn₂P₂O₇ (not calcined). As with the reference glass of Example No. I.1, glasses compositionally equivalent to Example Nos. I.2, I.3, I.4, I.5 and I.6, but made from dry batches containing non-pre-calcined Zn₂P₂O₇, typically have a brown tint. Replacing Zn₂P₂O₇ with the corresponding amount of ZnO+H₃PO₄ in the batch clearly enables the production of colorless (or “water-white”) glass.

In TABLE II, several phosphotellurite glasses made from dry batches with and without nitrates are presented. The results demonstrate that nitrates are effective in decolorizing phosphotellurite glasses, even when large amounts of Zn₂P₂O₇ (not calcined) are present in the batch. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed this is due to the oxidation effect of nitrates on the reducing impurities, if any, present in the batch materials.

As noted above, phosphotellurite glasses made from dry batches containing >10% non-pre-calcined Zn₂P₂O₇ essentially free of oxidizing agents such as nitrates are typically brown, suggesting that this raw material, in its as-received state, may contain impurities that are capable of reducing Te⁴⁺ to Te⁰.

TABLE III demonstrates that colorless phosphotellurite glass can be made from a dry, nitrate-free batch if the Zn₂P₂O₇ is calcined prior to melting. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed during the calcination of Zn₂P₂O₇, the following may have taken place, effectively suppressing the reduction of TeO₂ in the glass melting process: (i) the reducing impurities present in the Zn₂P₂O₇ were oxidized by oxygen present in the open air in which the calcination took place; (ii) the reducing impurities disintegrated during calcination, and as a result loses ability to reduce TeO₂ in the glass melting process; (iii) the reducing impurities evaporated during calcination; and (iv) the reducing impurities were otherwise passified during the calcination.

In TABLE IV, more examples of a range of phosphotellurite glass compositions (mol %) are given.

As a typical press molding viscosity is ˜3×10⁹ poise, many of the inventive glasses should be moldable at temperatures between 370 and 385° C.

The present inventors further investigated a series of glass families to study the relationship between the glass compositions and the important physical properties, especially T_(g), water durability, refractive index, and the like. Compositions of the glasses investigated are listed in TABLES V-VIII. The properties investigated of those glass samples are indicated in FIGS. 3-5.

The present inventors also prepared a plurality of TeO₂— and Bi₂O₃-containing glasses. The composition and important properties are listed in TABLE IX.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

TABLE I Example No. I.1 I.2 I.3 I.4 I.5 I.6 Na₂O 12 12 12 10 10 10 BaO 0 0 0 0 8 5 Al₂O₃ 0 0 1.2 0 0 0 ZnO 28 28 27 23 25 15 P₂O₅ 20 20 19.8 17 17 10 TeO₂ 40 40 40 50 40 60 Color Pale brown Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless T_(g) (° C.) 345 350 351 350 361 333 T_(x) − T_(g) (° C.) 138 ND ND 191 117 118 n @ 633 nm 1.784 1.797 1.778 1.847 ND* ND Weight loss (%) 0.22 0.07 0.06 0.26 0.04 0.17 Notes: In all TABLEs I–VIII: *ND: Not Determined

TABLE II Example No. II.1 II.2 II.3 II.4 II.5 II.6 Na₂O 10 10 10 10 10 10 BaO 8 8 0 0 0 0 SrO 0 0 0 0 8 8 ZnO 25 25 33 33 25 25 P₂O₅ 27 27 17 17 17 17 TeO₂ 30 30 40 40 40 40 Batch NaPO₃ 3.57 2.97 3.77 3.51 3.70 3.46 materials NaNO₃ 0 0.49 0 0.22 0 0.20 (g) Ba(PO₃)₂ 4.64 4.64 0 0 0 0 SrCO₃ 0 0 0 0 2.43 2.43 ZnO 0.55 0.10 2.79 2.59 1.41 1.23 Zn₂P₂O₇ 7.48 8.44 5.88 6.30 5.81 6.21 TeO₂ 9.58 9.58 13.19 13.19 13.00 13.00 Color Pale Colorless Dark Colorless Pale Colorless brown brown brown T_(g) (° C.) 364 359 355 347 ND 354 T_(x) − T_(g) (° C.) 156 156 102 111 ND 140 Weight loss (%) ND 0.09 0.05 0.09 0.02 0.06

TABLE III Zn₂P₂O₇ Composition Example No. In batch Color Na₂O ZnO P₂O₅ TeO₂ III.1 As received Pale brown 12 28 20 40 III.2 Calcined Colorless

TABLE IV Example No. IV.1 IV.2 IV.3 IV.4 IV.5 IV.6 IV.7 IV.8 IV.9 IV.10 IV.11 IV.12 Na₂O 4 6 8 10 12 8 10 12 14 4 12 16 ZnO 9.33 14 18.67 23.33 28 18 22.5 27 31.5 21 33 39 Al₂O₃ 0 0 0 0 0 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 0 0 0 BaO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 6 3 P₂O₅ 6.67 10 13.33 16.67 20 13.2 16.5 19.8 23.1 7 21 28 TeO₂ 80 70 60 50 40 60 50 40 30 56 28 14 T_(g) (° C.) 324 331 338 341 345 335 345 349 352 ND ND ND n @ ND ND ND 1.848 1.784 1.92 1.85 1.780 ND ND ND ND 633 nm Color Colorless Colorless Brown Brown Brown Colorless Brown Brown Brown Colorless Brown Colorless

TABLE V xR₂O•(40 − x)ZnO•20P₂O₅•40TeO₂ Glass System Example No. V.1 V.2 V.3 V.4 V.5 V.6 V.7 V.8 V.9 V.10 Na₂O 0 5 10 15 20 0 0 4 2 6 Li₂O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 6 K₂O 0 0 0 0 0 10 15 2 1 3 ZnO (40 − x) 40 35 30 25 20 30 25 30 35 25 P₂O₅ 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 TeO₂ 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 T_(g) (° C.) 383 361 349 ND ND 362 ND 337 356 321 T_(x) − T_(g) (° C.) 148 ND ND ND ND 115 ND 123 ND 129 weight loss 0.22 0.04 0.04 0.09 0.22 0.03 ND 0.03 0.00 0.06 (%) Appearance** U SH H H H H ND U U H Notes: In all TABLEs V–VIII: **“Appearance” here means appearance of the glass upon completion of the water durability test by subjecting sample glass pieces to boiling deionized distilled water for 4 hours. The codes used have the following meaning: U: Surface appearance is unaffected. SH: Surface becomes slightly hazy. H: Surface becomes hazy. W: Surface becomes white (translucent or opaque).

TABLE VI 10Na₂O•(30 − x)ZnO•20P₂O₅•40TeO₂ Glass System*** Example No. VI.1 VI.2 VI.3 VI.4 VI.5 VI.6 VI.7 VI.8 Na₂O 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Al₂O₃ 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 0 0 0 BaO 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 SrO 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 B₂O₃ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 ZnO (30 − x) 30 29.5 29 28.5 28 25 25 25 P₂O₅ 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 TeO₂ 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 T_(g) (° C.) 349 ND ND ND 361 354 354 361 T_(x) − T_(g) (° C.) ND ND ND ND 111 ND ND ND Weight loss (%) 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.00 0.03 0.04 Appearance H H SH SH U SH SH H Notes: ***In this TABLE VI, x denotes the mole percentages of Al₂O₃, BaO, SrO and B₂O₃ in total.

TABLE VII xNa₂O•yZnO•(60 − x − y)P₂O₅•40TeO₂ Glass System Example No. VII.1 VII.2 VII.3 VII.4 VII.5 VII.6 VII.7 VII.8 VII.9 Na₂O (x) 0 0 0 5 5 10 20 8 6 P₂O₅ (60 − x − y) 20 15 10 15 20 20 20 18 22 ZnO (y) 40 45 50 40 35 30 25 34 32 TeO₂ 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 T_(g) (° C.) 383 385 ND 371 361 349 316 356 357 T_(x) − T_(g) (° C.) 148 155 105 ND ND ND 131 ND ND Weight loss (%) 0.20 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.22 0.02 0.06 Appearance U U U SH H H H H H

TABLE VIII xNa₂O•yBaO•(60 − x − y)P₂O₅•40TeO₂ Glass System Example No. VIII. 1 VIII. 2 VIII. 3 VIII. 4 Na₂O (x) 0 5 10 15 BaO (y) 30 25 20 20 P₂O₅ (60 − x − y) 30 30 30 25 TeO₂ 40 40 40 40 T_(g) (° C.) 422 381 363 ND T_(x) − T_(g) (° C.) ND ND ND ND Weight loss (%) 4.22 3.31 6.42 3.01 Appearance W W W W

TABLE IX Bi₂O₃-containing Glass Example No. IX.1 IX.2 IX.3 IX.4 IX.5 IX.6 IX.7 IX.8 IX.9 IX.10 Na₂O 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 ZnO 26.5 34 36.5 37 31.5 37 37 37 38 35 Al₂O₃ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 — — Bi₂O₃ 2.5 5 7.5 8 2.5 8 8 8 8 5 P₂O₅ 20 25 27.5 28 22.5 25 22 19 22 25 TeO₂ 40 25 17.5 16 32.5 19 22 25 22 25 T_(g) (° C.) 355 367 370 373 361 373 375 375 n @ 633 nm ND 1.767 1.762 1.759 1.776 1.786 1.802 1.822 1.806 1.769 wt % of TeO₂ 48.1 29.8 20.1 18.2 40.4 21.6 24.9 28.2 24.9 29.9 

1. A glass material having a refractive index higher than about 1.70 at 633 nm, having a composition, expressed in mole percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, comprising: 20-90% TeO₂; 1-40% P₂O₅; 1-30% R₂O; 0-30% RO, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total; 5-40% ZnO; 0-15% Bi₂O₃; 0-5% Al₂O₃; 0-5% Ga₂O₃; 0-15% R₂O₃, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total; 0-5% Ln₂O₃, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc; 0-20% PbO; 0-20% Tl₂O; and 0-30% CdO.
 2. A glass material according to claim 1 which is essentially free of Bi₂O₃ and comprises about 0.5-3% Al₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃.
 3. A glass material according to claim 1 which is essentially free of Bi₂O₃ and comprises about 0.5-3% Al₂O₃.
 4. A glass material according to claim 1 comprising about 5-15% of Bi₂O₃.
 5. A glass material according to claim 4, comprising about 10-15% of Bi₂O₃, and essentially free of Al₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃.
 6. A glass material according to claim 1 which is essentially free of Li₂O.
 7. A glass material according to claim 1 having a composition, expressed in mole percentages of the total compositions on an oxide basis, consisting essentially of: 25-70% TeO₂; 5-25% P₂O₅; 1-25% R₂O; 0-20% RO, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total; 10-35% ZnO; 0-10% Bi₂O₃; 0-3% Al₂O₃; 0-3% Ga₂O₃; 0-10% R₂O₃, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total; 0-2% Ln₂O₃, in certain embodiments desirably 0-2%, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc; and essentially free of PbO, CdO and Tl₂O.
 8. A glass material according to claim 1, which is essentially colorless.
 9. A glass material according to claim 1, which has a T_(g) of lower than about 400° C.
 10. A glass material according to claim 1 which is essentially free of metals in metallic state.
 11. A glass material according to claim 1, wherein the metal elements comprised therein are essentially at the highest valency.
 12. A glass material according to claim 1, having a water durability of less than 0.5% weight loss.
 13. A process for making a glass comprising TeO₂ and P₂O₅, wherein: the source material of P₂O₅ in the batch is selected from: (i) H₃PO₄, H₄P₂O₇, P₂O₅, metal phosphates, (ii) solutions and/or dispersions of those listed in (i); and (iii) mixtures and combinations of those listed in (i) and (ii); and the batch materials are selected such that upon melting, the glass has a refractive index higher than about 1.70 at 633 nm, and a composition, expressed in mole percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, comprising: 20-90% TeO₂; 1-40% P₂O₅; 1-30% R₂O; 0-30% RO, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total; 5-40% ZnO; 0-15% Bi₂O₃; 0-5% Al₂O₃; 0-5% Ga₂O₃; 0-15% R₂O₃, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total; 0-5% Ln₂O₃, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc; 0-20% PbO; 0-20% Tl₂O; and 0-30% CdO.
 14. A process according to claim 13, wherein the source material of P₂O₅ in the batch is essentially free of reducing impurities.
 15. A process according to claim 14, comprising a step of calcining the solid source material of P₂O₅ in the batch at an elevated temperature before mixing such material with the rest of the batch material.
 16. A process according to claim 13, wherein an oxidizing agent is included in the batch material.
 17. A process according to claim 16, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from nitrates, peroxides, perchlorates, chlorates, perchlorates, persulfates, oxidizing gases, and combinations and mixtures thereof.
 18. A glass article comprising a glass material having a refractive index higher than about 1.70 at 633 nm, having a composition, expressed in mole percentage of the total composition on an oxide basis, comprising: 20-90% TeO₂; 1-40% P₂O₅; 1-30% R₂O; 0-30% RO, where RO represents all alkali earth metal oxides in total; 5-40% ZnO; 0-15% Bi₂O₃; 0-5% Al₂O₃; 0-5% Ga₂O₃; 0-15% R₂O₃, where R₂O₃ represents Al₂O₃, Bi₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃ in total; 0-5% Ln₂O₃, where Ln is any metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanoids, Y and Sc; 0-20% PbO; 0-20% Tl₂O; and 0-30% CdO.
 19. An article according to claim 18, which is a refractive lens element for use in an optical device.
 20. An article according to claim 18, which is an aspherical lens element for use in an optical device.
 21. An article according to claim 18, wherein the glass is essentially colorless.
 22. An article according to claim 18, wherein the glass has a T_(g) of lower than about 400° C.
 23. An article according to claim 18, wherein the glass has a water durability of less than 0.5% weight loss. 